LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The annual Combined Federal Campaign, which raises money each year for local, national and international charities, gets underway Sept. 2 with a kickoff breakfast at the Gateway Club.
The formal campaign runs Sept. 2 through Oct. 14, but funds will be collected through Dec. 15.
Col. William H. Mott V, 37th Training Wing commander, said the CFC offers a tremendous opportunity for Airmen to make a difference.
"CFC provides the opportunity to give back to the community; we can give support locally and nationally," he said.
"Last year we met our goal for permanent party and exceeded our goal for trainees," said Lt. Col. Enrique Gwin, Team Lackland project officer for the campaign. "Because of the economic conditions, the local coordinating committee decided not to change from our 2008 goals."
Last year's campaign exceeded $1.2 million, well over the goal of nearly $850,000. Open to all federal employees, the CFC reaches all Lackland agencies, each with a separate fundraising goal. They include the 37th Training Wing, 59th Medical Wing, the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency, the 149th Fighter Wing and the 433rd Airlift Wing.
"I personally think we will meet the goals because while it is true the economy is tough, it is also true there is a big need," said Colonel Gwin, who will oversee nearly 200 key workers in the campaign. "I think people are more aware of those needs because of the economy, and if we make people aware, they will contribute."
The CFC has a guidebook for potential contributors listing more than 2,600 different charities, local to international. Donors can make one-time contributions or payroll deductions; donations can be distributed among the charities in accordance with the donor's wishes.
"The beauty of CFC is the ability to designate who gets the contribution. Airmen can target giving to the programs they specifically desire to help," said Colonel Mott.
Colonel Gwin said the CFC is an easy way to contribute to charities.
"For me, the CFC is convenient," he said. "When I did not give to a charity I cared about it was because I was being lazy or not taking the extra step to write a check, find an envelope, mail it and then see when it's time to start donating again.
"The CFC gives me the extreme convenience of being able to set up an allotment. The money comes out of my checking account, goes straight to the charity and is recorded properly for tax purposes. I get to donate to the charity I want without the hassle."
Guest speaker for the breakfast, which runs 7-8:15 a.m., is Gordon Hartman of the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation in San Antonio. Mr. Hartman and his wife created the foundation in 2005 to help local agencies assist families who care for family members with cognitive and physical disabilities. The Hartmans started the foundation with a gift of $10 million.
"We were very lucky to get Mr. Hartman," said Colonel Gwin. "When I found out what he does, I think he's a very appropriate speaker for this."